Grace Mae Veen

Sibley, IA        Grace Veen, age 85 of Sibley, IA died Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.      Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley, IA, with Reverend Larry Laskie officiating.        Private burial for family will take place prior to the service at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock, IA.        Visitation will be Wednesday, May 25th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley, IA.        Grace Mae Veen was born on July 15, 1930 in Sibley, IA, the daughter of Kobus and Siena (Huls) Van Beest. She grew up in the Sibley area and attended school through the 8th grade. On September 10, 1949, Grace was united in marriage to Charles Kruse. After Charles’ death in 1976, Grace later married George Veen at the United Methodist Church in Sibley in 1977. She worked for Sibley Egg and Poultry until it closed and then worked at Campbell’s Soup for a number of years. Grace was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley. She enjoyed baking, feeding the birds and was always helping her neighbors and friends. Grace will be remembered for giving her grandchildren a two dollar bill for their birthday each year. Grace always looked forward to the Corn Show celebration. She also loved spending time with her family during the holidays, birthdays and family reunions. She will be greatly missed.       Grace is survived by her five children: Linda (Stan) Klaahsen of Sibley, IA, Charlene (Gene) Wachter of Worthington, MN, Mary Jo (Colin) Jensen of Wesley Chapel, FL, Steven (Michele) Kruse of Land O’ Lakes, FL and Bob (Rhonda) Kruse of George, IA; three step-children: Jerry (Diann) Veen, Jim (Deb) Veen and Rosella (Roger) Nerhus; fourteen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren, eight step great-grandchildren and one step great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Elmer Van Beest and John (Dianne) Van Beest of Sibley, IA; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.        She is preceded in death by her parents, Kobus and Siena Van Beest; two husbands, Charles Kruse and George Veen; three step-children: Judy Johnson, Betty Watje and Joann Veen; daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Mike Stubbe; grandson, Michael Jensen; two great-grandchildren: Paige Croatt and Ethan Klaahsen; five siblings: Henry, Bill, Koby Van Beest, Joyce Van Beest-Pecenka and Anna Jean Potter; brother-in-law, Harold Potter; and sister-in-law, Lylliss Van Beest.